Care of Gentiana Scabra Flowers

By Sonia Acone ; Updated September 21, 2017

Gentiana scabra, or Japanese gentian, is a low-growing, evergreen perennial flower that is hardy in zones 3 to 8. The flowers are bell-shaped and a rich, sapphire blue. These plants are excellent choices for rock gardens, along shady garden paths or in woodland settings. They prefer mostly shady areas, but will tolerate dappled light if planted underneath leafy trees.

Choose a site with moist soil and part to mostly shade. Dig a hole to accommodate your gentian plant. If you're planting in groups, space the plants about 12 inches apart.

Add peat moss or other organic matter to the soil in the hole and mix together. The mixture should be one part peat moss to two parts soil.

Place the gentian in the hole, backfill with soil and compact it to remove any air pockets. Water thoroughly.

Water regularly to keep the soil moist but don't allow it to become waterlogged, as this will result in root rot.

To thin out overgrown clumps, dividing can be done in the spring simply by digging up the extra plants and replanting them in another moist, shady location.

Things You Will Need

Trowel

Peat moss

Water

References

About the Author

Sonia Acone is a full-time freelance writer in northeast Pennsylvania. She has been published by The Wild Rose Press and is currently writing children's picture books, as well as online content. Acone writes articles for eHow and GardenGuides.com. She has been freelance writing since 2008. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and professional writing from Elizabethtown College.